CELEBRATING ENDINGS AND NEW BEGINNINGS

Today is the mid-point of our stay in Ukraine.  We continue to enjoy the beauty of the season and the surrounding landscape, nature itself camouflaging many things that have fallen into non-function and disrepair.

Lush gardens due to plenty of rain

The rain also obscures the depth of the potholes

Wild poppies and purple larkspur line the roadsides.  Early potatoes and cucumbers are being harvested. There are still fresh strawberries.  Olga Simeonovna, our former receptionist, has a cherry tree in her yard.  We've eaten our fill.

It has been a week of celebrations marking the end of the school year. We accepted invitations to four different events.  We know that Ukrainians love to celebrate and this year was no disappointment.  On Friday we attended the "Last Bell" at the Russian school.  It is a traditional ceremony full of pomp and circumstance celebrated after all studies are finished, but before final exams.

 

Graduates are dressed in a school uniform similar to what they wore when they entered first grade - the girls wearing white aprons over dark dresses and white bows in their hair.  The event began at 8 a.m. and lasted a full two hours.  The student body, relatives and teachers gathered around the plaza in front of the school.  There was singing, dancing, many speeches and symbolic traditions such as releasing balloons and also doves into the air.

                             

                                                 


Rudy was asked to say a few words to the graduates.  The celebration concluded with a first grader on the shoulder of a graduate circling the school ground ringing a bell.  This is the last bell - the torch is being passed to a new generation.  We hope that these beautiful young people will have opportunities to "soar" when they leave school.  It may well be in their power to help bring about change however there are very few local opportunities.  It has been our privilege this year to provide all the necessary technical equipment for a 15 student language lab.  The state pays teacher's salaries but little else in terms of upgrades, repairs, new innovations.  A lot lies on the shoulders of parents.

Students are taught academics in the mornings, 8:30-12:30.  In the afternoons they have the option of attending a music school, sports school, or craft school.  These institutions receive very little government funding, parents again have to subsidize.  We were invited to attend the final concerts of the Tokmak and Molochansk music schools and were so impressed.

Tokmak Music School

Molochansk Music School

Ukrainian children love to perform.  They are taught rhythm and music almost as soon as they learn to walk and talk.  They are such graceful dancers.  Their teachers sew all their costumes.  On occasion they have requested our help to purchase fabric.  We have made it possible for them to enter competitions where they have often excelled.

Prishib Orphanage graduation

Another organization we have helped over the years is the Prishib orphanage located near Molochansk.  We are told that typically 20% are orphans whose parents have died and 80% are social orphans - having been abandoned, parents living in poverty unable to care for them often due to alcohol and drug abuse.  We attended the graduation ceremony of 11 young people.  These must leave the orphanage at age 17.  Some will go on to trade school.  Statistics for successful community living are not very encouraging.

This morning the Molochansk Music School band came to the Mennonite Centre to entertain seniors that come for lunches twice a week - the final concert of their school year.

It was a bright sunny day.  The band set up in our yard and played for an hour to a very appreciative audience.  Many of the senior band members have graduated and left, therefore the current band is young, but enthusiastic.  Over the years we have provided most of the instruments for this band, allowing them to do well in regional competitions.  It was a joy to hear them perform.  Our gratitude to those who have donated to enrich the lives of these young people who are already making a positive impact in their community.

For more information on the work of the Mennonite Centre, please go to 

http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/  Also check out Mennonite Centre Ukraine Facebook page

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

ENABLING AND EQUIPPING

Since its inception in 2001, the Mennonite Centre in Molochansk has been active in supporting many aspects of community life - for example, health care, music, culture, sports, education, assisting farmers and aiding churches.  Many stories could be told in each of these categories.  Here are a few that came to our attention this week.

Six years ago we became aware of a young couple who had a dream; a desire to start farming.  With the aid of a small loan they were able to purchase two hectares of land and plant 7000 strawberry plants.  Denis tilled the soil by hand and together with his wife Svieta, harvested their first crop.  They worked very hard and their vision grew.  The following year they also planted garlic.  When we returned to Ukraine in the fall of 2012, we took a visitor from Canada (also a farmer) to see this initiative.  The outcome - Denis was gifted with a rototiller.  See blog November 11, 2012.  We'll never forget his reaction - exuberant gratitude.

This piece of equipment has enabled them to expand. Over time they have increased their property, some of it leased, and have planted fruit trees, raspberries, blackberries and spring vegetables.

Three years ago they constructed a green house.  Now they can get strawberries to market in advance of other growers. Their income does not yet provide livelihood through the year but they are optimistic and continue to work hard.  Denis has a vision to eventually farm 20 hectares.

Earlier this week we received an invitation to come and visit at 2 in the afternoon.  We certainly were not expecting a meal.  Denis had a BBQ going and we were invited into their little house, which he is gradually restoring.  The floor is uneven, thin linoleum over dirt.

                     

 

After being served a delicious meal Denis and Svieta shared a bit of their life.  This enterprising couple have their schedule all worked out.  Svieta gets up at 4 a.m. and goes out to the strawberry field.  No daylight saving time here.  Denis wakens at 6, readies their two daughters for school which begins at 8 and is quite a distance away, loads the strawberries, drops the girls off then heads to the market in town. They hire pickers, but find them unreliable.  Too often, upon receiving their wages, they spend it on vodka and don't show up for several days.  

Denis and Svieta have identified a niche and with a little help have been willing to work hard to make their dream come true.  It was a delight to see what a little "seed money" can accomplish.  In the words of Ben Stobbe, the chairman of our board,  "We give a rototiller to till the soil that may well contain our DNA.  And from that soil comes life and nourishment for Ukrainians."  This couple is making a valuable contribution to the community as well as to the church.  Svieta is a wonderful singer and a faithful member of the worship team.  

Another example.  About the time the Mennonite Centre came into being, a baby girl was born to another Svieta and Edik (now one of our night watchmen).  It was soon discovered the Alyona was severely hearing impaired.  Over the years the Mennonite Centre has provided hearing aides which require replacing every three years.  Alyona is now 16. She has been attending a special school in the neighbouring city of Vassilyevka.

Paying tuition plus room and board is a big expense for the family.  Alyona and her older sister Svieta, who is studying to be a feltcher (nurse practitioner), are both Mennonite Centre scholarship recipients.

Alyona does not have intelligible speech but she is a whiz at translating using her phone by typing in a sentence and asking for translation.  We held an interesting half hour conversation.  She dreams of one day being a massage therapist .

This year the Mennonite Centre has provided scholarships to 40 students, 8 medical students, 10 young people studying education,   3 law students, a music student, and others.  Students are required to submit their grades and reapply annually.  Most of them study 4-5 years.  By investing in young people, enabling and equipping them to get a good education, we hope that they will be able to give back to their communities and build a stronger Ukraine.

For more information on the work of the Mennonite Centre, please go to 

http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/  Also check out Mennonite Centre Ukraine Facebook page

HOPE IN CHALLENGING TIMES

It's the beautiful month of May - the season of irises and peonies, flowers in bloom everywhere.
Gardens are flourishing.  So far there has been enough rain and the rich Ukrainian soil promises a good harvest, barring hail or drought.

When we left Ukraine in the summer of 2013,  there was no indication of the changes and trauma lying ahead for this country.  There had been so much hope for a better future.  The intervening years have been difficult, however we see a people resilient, young people with dreams and goals for their future.  Many older people struggling even more now, due to small pensions and escalating prices.  The devaluation of the hryvnia has been a huge blow.  In the villages many people are barely subsisting, ever more dependent on a few chickens, their gardens and root cellars.  In 2005 when we first came to volunteer at the Mennonite Centre the hryvnia was exchanging 5 to a US dollar.  In 2013 it was 8.  Today the exchange rate is 25.24.

This is the first week of our eighth term as North American directors at the Centre.  We work together with Oksana, our very capable Ukrainian director, listening to people's needs and requests and ascertaining where and in which way we can best be of help before we send proposals to our North American board.

    

Each time we return we feel drawn back to the village of Rybalovka, Rudy's father's birthplace, then known as Fischau.

The road leading to this village is in dreadful shape, certainly no funds in the budget for road repairs.  We have become acquainted with a couple living next door to the spot where the village school once stood in Mennonite times.  We've often bought a little honey from them.  The lady told us sadly that they no longer keep bees, but would we buy at least 40 eggs?  Of course we bought eggs, beautiful honey brown extra-large ones.  She shared her woes with us.  Their pensions are so meagre.  There used to be a little store in the village - but no longer.  Everything is so expensive.  There is very little to look forward to.

About 7 kilometres farther south lies the village of Svetlodolinsk, formerly Lichtenau. 

A compilation of Harry's experiences
 in Ukraine

We met with the mayor and several other local dignitaries.  The major issue at hand is the repair of their school bus, which was donated by Harry Giesbrecht in 2003.  Harry, recently deceased, was a board member of FOMCU.  Svetlodolinsk was his birth village.  His family was expelled from the region in 1933 and eventually emigrated to Canada in 1948.  Harry became a successful engineer and took special interest in the affairs of this village.  When it became know that children were walking up to 7 kilometres to school and that some had been attacked y wolves, he purchased a bus.  All these years it has been used to transport children to three schools servicing number of outlying villages.

Bus repair shop

Schools stagger their opening times to accommodate the number of students and the travel time.  The bus is also used for field trips, regional competitions and outings for seniors.  Alas, not so long ago the bus broke down and is now in process of a major motor overhaul.  We have agreed to fund this venture.  It will take the mechanic the major part of the summer to get this work done.  Wages and parts will amount to $400.  A mechanic will have work for the summer and children will have a safe way of getting to school again in fall.

Some years ago we were told that the villages would soon be dying out.  This, however, does not appear to be the case everywhere.  The mayor told us that families are having 3-4 children and that there is now a waiting list for admission to kindergartens.  Most of these village families are engaged in some form of agriculture; there is also the railway, a grain elevator, small stores and a cheese factory offering some employment.

Historically the third Thursday of May has been known as Vyshyvanka Day.  Vyshyvanka is the colloquial name for the embroidered national costume of Ukraine.  Every region can be identified by its own vyshyvanka.

 

Apparently this event has gained much more prominence since the war; it is a symbol
of national identity and patriotism.  Young and old participated in the colourful parade winding through town, eventually stopping at the Palace of Culture (Zentralschule in Mennonite times).
                                                                                       

These sweet little ones were thrilled to pose

Katja, Oksana's daughter in centre

We joined the crowd of spectators, listening to many speeches and watching delightful folk dancing.  It was wonderful to witness people's enthusiasm and self-identification.

The Mennonite Centre has been and continues to be a beacon of hope.  Our doors are always open to those in need.  Each day has it's interests and challenges.  We thank God the Giver of all good gifts and our generous donors, that we have these gifts to share.  We want to do this work responsibly and without prejudice to the very needy in this part of the world.

For more information on the work of the Mennonite Centre, please go to 

http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/  Also check out Mennonite Centre Ukraine Facebook page

GIVING AND RECEIVING - A SUMMARY

Grapes ripening a month earlier this year due to heat and drought

We come to the final days of our term in Ukraine.  Again it has been our privilege to be involved in the venture and adventure known as the "Mennonite Centre." We have enjoyed the beauty and warmth of summer, trees heavily fruit-laden, eating our fill of apricots, pears and early grapes. We keep hoping for rain to alleviate the drought.  Needs are as great as ever and people keep coming for help.  The mayor of a former Mennonite village just south of here told us this week that "the financial situation of this country is catastrophic." This was echoed by the local Fire Marshal this morning who came to request gas money.  Funds to run the fire truck have run dry.

The following are ways that FOMCU has helped in the past 5 weeks. (Five of these projects are in the Zaporozhye area

• bringing sight to two women by funding cataract surgeries.  One of these women is half blind.
• continuing to provide optometric care and glasses.  To date 967 pairs of glasses have been dispensed at a cost of $5 each.  These are eye specific and the cost includes frames. 
• providing hearing aids for a profoundly deaf girl. We previously funded a tutor and Alyona is now able to communicate verbally
• chemo treatments for a woman who had surgery for colon cancer.  By law medical care is free here but no doctor will provide services without being paid. 
• medication for a woman being cared for by an orphaned granddaughter
• medication for a post-op patient being cared for by family. Son-in-law came asking for help.  He is a psychiatrist in Melitopol - not making enough money to cover medical costs for his extended family.  It seemed that he was swallowing a lot of pride in coming the distance to ask, and he wasn't asking for much.  His salary is the equivalent of $250/month. These are cases that really tug at the heart-strings. 
• MRI for a 9 year old boy
• large autoclave for the Tokmak Blood Station servicing 7 regions
• hot water tank for children's hospital  they were without warm water
• toilet room reno at local hospital
• fridge for hospital urology dep't.  the old communist era fridge had given out
• repairing outdoor patient space at local psych hospital - a patient recently stumbled and fractured her leg.
• printer for psych hospital office staff 
• replacing exterior doors and 6 windows for a school -  children had been attending classes in 8 degree temperature last winter
• 10 desks and 20 chairs for an outlying school
• stair repair at local Sport's School
• wall repair for local school - windows had been replaced and contractors left holes in the walls
• radiators for kindergarten in former Mennonite village of Lichtenau - very cold in winter - no government money
• sending 7 orphans to a young people's camp in Crimea
• supporting Kutuzovka church children's camp
• ordering 2 pianos for music schools in this district - in memory of Linda Stobbe
• floor and ceiling construction costs to restore a historic church building - once Mennonite but now a Greek Catholic worship space. 
• in addition to all of this the twice weekly Senior's lunches, and doctors clinic

• 

  Blood Station - 31 staff gathered to greet us when the autoclave arrived.  They were impressed to hear that this was a gift from Canadian donors many having ancestors in this area.  Their gratitude was overwhelming- some were wiping tears.  The autoclave replaces a 20 year old model which should have been disposed of 10 years ago.  The time is crucial because the station is due for government inspection in September and there was risk of closure with attending job losses.   No government money.                             

This outdoor living space of the psychiatric hospital will soon be smoothed over.
The division is home for 57 women.

The interior of the Schönsee church is taking shape.  We told Father Peter that it was our privilege to provide foundation and ceiling materials.  He countered, ". . . and the Holy Spirit works in between."  Amen!

Every project affects the lives of people, often society's most vulnerable.  People come to the Centre with requests and we hear their stories.  Many times they tell us that they have borrowed money, sold what they can and we are their last resort. If these are health-related requests we ask for documentation. If the request involves assistance for repair or restoration we pay a visit.  Our board of directors makes the final decisions.  To safeguard donations, monies are paid through the bank.  We work together with Dema, our Ukrainian manager, who has skills and knowledge and is able to source out good value for the hryvnia.

Again, we express gratitude to all our donors who make the work possible.  It has been our joy to see the results.

If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU." Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU". All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer, 3675 North Service Rd, Beamsville, Ontario, Canada - L0R 1B1. Check our website at http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card donations 

MOLOCHANSK AND BEYOND

This weekend marks an important historical event.  It is the 1025th anniversary of Christianity in what was once known as the Kievan Rus - the medieval Slavic state that laid the Orthodox foundation for modern day Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

Today "The Voice of Russia" reported that President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kiev Saturday "for politically charged festivities celebrating the arrival of Christianity in Russia and Ukraine, highlighting a tug-of-war over Kiev's moves to integrate with the EU." The outcome of meetings this week could have huge implications for the political and economic future of this country.  The anniversary was also referred to in church this morning.


For those who can find Ukraine on the map but lack further specifics, here is a little geography lesson - helping to put our work into context. We live 611 km SE of Kiev.  The town of Molochansk (pop. 7000) is close to the centre of the map in the northwest corner of the former Molotschna colony, not far from the city of Tokmak.  Our projects are centred in the former Mennonite colonies of Molotschna, Choritiza and Yazekovo which at times requires travelling over roads that defy description.  Fortunately we have a good, solid vehicle.

It was a perfect, thoroughly enjoyable day, not too hot

Tuesday was the final workday for the group from Switzerland.  They
had almost completed installing gyproc on the church ceiling. Wednesday was reward day, a trip to the Sea of Azov near Berdyansk. We were asked whether we could help with transportation.  Together with our local young people, 30 of us piled into 4 vehicles.  As you may surmise, the wearing of seat belts is not mandatory here.  Our destination was the spit of land that juts into the sea just south of Berdyansk, a two hour drive.

Back again to Molochansk.  One of our priorities is encouraging local initiatives.  Last fall we became aware of an enterprising young couple who had started a farming venture. Denis and Svieta had taken a loan to purchase land and planted several hectares of strawberries and garlic.  Our organization helped with the purchase of a rototiller. The good news is that after several successful strawberry crops they have almost finished repaying their loan.  This year they harvested a lot of garlic and are looking for markets.

Sadly, they discovered that Ukraine is importing garlic from China at very low prices. In addition to farming Denis is  responsible for maintenance at the Senior's Home and has occasionally brought some of the residents to the farm for an afternoon outing.  This is a literal "field trip" for them.  They've enjoyed sitting in the shade trimming greens off the garlic bulbs.  Several days ago we were treated to a Bulgarian dinner consisting of cottage cheese stuffed pockets of deep-fried dough eaten with lots of sour cream. Then Denis and Svieta took us on a garden tour, showing us the product of seeds brought from Canada in spring, also pointing out a grove of young fruit trees.  They dream of purchasing more land and eventually tending a big orchard.

Fruit saplings

What are those red-stemmed stalks?

There was a mystery to be solved.  Going by the picture on the seed packet, they planted what they considered to be rhubarb seeds.  What came up, however, is a row of healthy-looking Swiss chard.  They have no idea how to prepare this - I plan to cook up a meal for them before we leave. Surprisingly rhubarb is also unknown here.

We applaud this couple and a few others who are reimagining work, seeing opportunities, and are not afraid to get their hands dirty.  They are setting a great example and bringing hope.

First taste of mulberries

Over the past ten days we've celebrated three staff birthdays. Custom dictates that the birthday person provides the goodies.  Ira is our head cook and her creation tasted even better than it looked.











For more information on the work of the Mennonite Centre, please go to http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/

Click on photos to enlarge

VARIOUS ENCOUNTERS

No week is like another at the Centre. The past week started off with Dema cooking and ended with Oksana cooking for Dema.  On Monday 8 young people, representing 4 Mennonite churches, arrived from Switzerland.  They came for what had been billed as a youth camp.  In actuality this group teamed up with local young people to help with construction of the new church building.  In addition they declared themselves willing to help elderly with house and garden chores.  The kick-off - a Plov dinner at the Centre. Before the feast Dema gave the group a powerpoint lesson, familiarizing them with the Ukrainian chapter of Mennonite history.

Preparing this Uzbekian specialty dish authentically, requires a special cast iron pot which must be suspended over an open fire. The recipe includes lots of onion, carrots, chunks of pork, rice, and secret ingredients, i.e. certain spices, and several submerged heads of garlic - all cooked with water and much oil.  We were allowed to chop vegetables, however, no one but Dema gets to preside over the Plov pot.  The aroma outdoors was tantalizing and the meal a great success - feasting followed by a lively volleyball match.

One way of cleaning the picnic table before the feast begins

We frequently host visitors at the Centre.  On Wednesday a grandfather/granddaughter pair from Canada arrived with a tour guide from Odessa.  They came to explore their roots in Schönsee, the village mentioned in our previous blog.  We had met John previously; the surprise came when we noticed the tour guide.  Within a moment there was mutual recognition, taking us back sixteen years.  It was 1997 - we were on our first Mennonite Heritage Cruise.  On a Sunday morning while in Odessa, we had the opportunity to attend a service at an Orthodox Cathedral.  We were standing with other worshippers and at one point during the liturgy became aware of a beautiful soprano voice behind us.  Later, together with others, we met this young lady, found out that she could speak English, and invited her to join us for lunch on the ship.  This was followed by a memorial service for those whose ancestors had perished at sea, while serving in the Sanitätsdient in WW1 (an alternative service to active war duty). These people had the opportunity of tossing remembrance roses into the Black Sea.  During these moments of reminiscence we again hear this voice - Anzhelika singing "The Lord's Prayer" in Russian.  The minor melody tugs at your heartstrings.  It was one of those exquisite, unorchestrated, never-to-be forgotten moments.

Anzhelika, myself and Olga Rubel formed a trio

Anzhelika is married and has a 7 year old son.  As well as hosting a tour company, she teaches music at the university.  Her husband is an artist; he is often commissioned to paint backdrops for the Odessa opera.  Before we parted Anzhelika requested that we sing "Amazing Grace" together.

Sasha's mother at her workplace

Olga Rubel, our representative in Zaporozhye, has been keeping in contact with Sasha, the young man who lost his arms under very unfortunate circumstances seven years ago.  We've assisted in various ways through the years. He finished school in spring. Earlier this month we made it possible for him to attend a camp for disabled young people which he enjoyed.  He loves to swim and play soccer.  He has also become proficient in using a foot mouse to operate a computer.  We tried unsuccessfully to connect with Sasha last week, but did meet with his mother.  We are offering him a distance-learning computer course in fall and are willing to put needed supports into place.

Yesterday was a red-letter day - Dema's birthday! He made the announcement at church together with an open invitation to join in a wiener roast at the Centre in the evening.  At least 45 people responded.

Dema on the hot seat

Responding to the toasts & roasts

Oksana outdid herself baking 6 cakes, wiener buns and preparing salads.  A great climax to another week.

For more information on the work of the Mennonite Centre, please go to http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/

Click on pictures to enlarge

RESTORATION

It was eight years ago.  We had come to Ukraine to volunteer at the Mennonite Centre. In the early years we made many discoveries as we explored the villages of our ancestry.   One building stands out in our memory - the ruins of a once ornate church in the village of Schönsee.

2007

Today

Walls were still standing and trees within were almost overshadowing the building. Loose bricks had long been gleaned for reconstruction elsewhere. We roamed around the site and tried to imagine what once was.  It came as a surprise earlier this year to learn that this building was under reconstruction - again as a centre for worship.  The Mennonite Centre is supporting the restoration by providing cement and bricks.

This is a church-planting project of Father Peter, a Greek Catholic missionary from the Czech Republic.  We had the opportunity to meet him at the building site.

Father Peter, second from right

When we arrived 8 young people, volunteers from CZ, were hard at work levelling the ground so that the concrete flooring could be completed.  They all spoke English, as well as two seminarians studying in Austria.
One of them told us that Father Peter has planted 18 churches in Europe.  They also said that there was a time when he was persecuted and had to flee for his life.  A group of believers has already formed in Schönsee and are meeting regularly in this still-to-be-completed building.  Several of them appeared while we were there.

Local parishioners

This project will take some time to complete. Father Peter is planning a dedication a year from now and intimated that this church might become a pilgrimage site.  We were able to converse in German and found him to be a most likeable, kind person.  Before we left he gathered his colleagues around him and ourselves and they sang the Lord's Prayer in three-part harmony.  I must admit that I was wiping tears.  He then closed in prayer - not a memorized liturgy, but a blessing from the heart.  We are grateful that this building is having a new life.

Another restoration:
In previous blogs we've referred to the the former Willm's mansion next door to our apartment.  When we left in November a new roof was being put on the building. When we returned a few weeks ago the roof was still incomplete, but men are again working. We are told that workers had disappeared with 20,000 UAH of roofing material which put a stop to the project.  This week the whole area has been fenced in.  Apparently it belongs to the local furniture factory and the building is being renovated to create sleeping space for workers. This still begs the question.  With so many unemployed in Molochansk why create lodging?

             Sunflowers in all their glory.  Some fields extend as far as the eye can see.

             A restoration for the senses.  Good news, we had some rain yesterday.

For more information on the work of the Mennonite Centre, please go to http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/

Click on pictures to enlarge